The Girl Who Stopped Swimming - Joshilyn Jackson
Category: FICTION Format: TRADE PAPERBACK
Publish Date: 5/26/2009
ISBN: 9780446697828
Pages: 336
(Publisher)
Laurel Gray Hawthorne needs to make things pretty, whether she's helping her mother make sure the literal family skeleton stays in the closet or turning scraps of fabric into nationally acclaimed art quilts. Her estranged sister Thalia, an impoverished Actress with a capital A, is her polar opposite, priding herself on exposing the lurid truth lurking behind middle class niceties. While Laurel's life seems neatly on track--a passionate marriage, a treasured daughter, and a lovely home in suburban Victorianna--everything she holds dear is suddenly thrown into question the night she is visited by the ghost of a her 13-year old neighbor Molly Dufresne. The ghost leads Laurel to the real Molly floating lifelessly in the Hawthorne's backyard pool. Molly's death is inexplicable--an unseemly mystery Laurel knows no one in her whitewashed neighborhood is up to solving. Only her wayward, unpredictable sister is right for the task, but calling in a favor from Thalia is like walking straight into a frying pan protected only by Crisco. Enlisting Thalia's help, Laurel sets out on a life-altering journey that triggers startling revelations about her family's guarded past, the true state of her marriage, and the girl who stopped swimming.
(My Turn)
This story is a contemporary ghostish tale set in the very Edward Scissorhands-esqe suburb of Victorianna, Florida. From the surreal suburb of Victorianna to the poverty-stricken trailer park town of DeLop, so much of this book feels familiar to me from the stories my mother & grandparents have told me over the years and from growing up in the south I have seen this dichotomy.
The main character Laurel, a quilt maker, is awakened by the ghost of a dead girl in the very first chapter and you immediately want to know what exactly happened. Amazingly the story just keeps twisting. Some of the characters are true works of art and others are just sad little puppets dancing upon the stage.
I wouldn't personally say this is the best book I've ever read, but it was an interesting read.
Daisy of Love - VH1
Now I didn't like Ms Daisy De La Hoya that much when she was on "Rock of Love Season 2" competing for Bret Michaels hand & heart, but I really felt for her when Amber got the final pass. Daisy's comment about curling up in bed & eating chocolate ice cream just got me. So when I saw VH1's Daisy of Love I just had to tune in and it is fast becoming my guilty little pleasure.
She's got it all except - her Rock Star Boyfriend and maybe I shouldn't be commenting on this when my relationship isn't that great - but WOW Daisy's having issues - check out some of the guys competing for her love.
The triplets of the band Snake of Eden ('84, '85, and '86) were eliminated before the elimination ceremony after they revealed that they were basically there just for the free food and liquor, and that they were only interested in dating Daisy together as a set.
And Dropout was eliminated for being a "Goofball" and seeming too much like a cartoon character.
Flipper was probably certifiable or at least one land on his head from it. And ended up taking himself out of the competion.
Weasel was eliminated because Daisy felt he didn't have much ambition and felt he was always drinking.
And the Professor got dumped because Daisy didn't feel a connection with him and she felt she wasn't the type of girl he should be dating. FYI, he wasn't Bad Boy enough, which is a shame because the bad boys she wants to keep around will break her heart.
Brooklyn left cause he's still in love with the ex girlfriend. Say What?!?!?!
Cable Guy was eliminated because he wasn't trying hard enough to connect with Daisy.
Toolbox was going to recieve a chain, but after being informed by Flex that Tool Box said he had no connection with Daisy, Daisy decided to eliminate him.
London walked out - screaming my name is Joshua Lee & left Daisy crying because he wouldn't take a chain. However, must say this gent prompted the best line from Daisy so far "This is I love Daisy, not I love liquor".
Must say he was lovely to look at.
And Cage (one of my personal favorites) chose rage & potential physical voilence over finding true love when he couldn't promise Daisy he wouldn't hit any of the guys left on the show.
6-Gauge left on episode 6 aired on 6-7. Really Daisy. Are you LOCO? Fox admits to you that he technically still has a girlfriend that he's living with and you boot someone else off the show. Are you freaking NUTS?
Finally, I've been waiting for this day for awhile now. Fox was just too prissy for words & I totally think he was on the show to promote Fox. Ya know?
My personal favorite Big Rig left tonight 6-21. I mean I kinda thought he didn't make it cause he myspace page was flooded with I love this girl & it weren't pictures of Daisy. But come on Daisy - you got rid of the last decent guy. I guess you do want a season 2, not making enough money off this season?
And now it's the final four!
Welcome back - duh duh da - LONDON. Ricky brought him back because of unfinished business. Really? Ricky? Honest? At least Daisy said He's gonna have to work his ass off. I am just freaking fed up with this BS and I'm not even on the show.
Chi-chi just seemed too passive, awkard and shy.
And back to the final four since Chi-Chi got eliminated.
I felt so bad for Sinister, tonight was supposed to be a double elimination Flex & Sinister, but Daisy broke the rules & is taking 3 guys to the finale. Sorry Sinister.
Maybe some where out there is a girl that will love you for you. You are a wonderful guy who deserves to love.
12-pack got sent packing because Daisy is a MORON.
And then she choose London (IDIOT) over Sexy Flex? Are you fucking nuts.
Still Left
So Daisy made a fucked up predetermined loser guy choice and I hope for her sake - he doesn't just walk out on her again.
She's got it all except - her Rock Star Boyfriend and maybe I shouldn't be commenting on this when my relationship isn't that great - but WOW Daisy's having issues - check out some of the guys competing for her love.
The triplets of the band Snake of Eden ('84, '85, and '86) were eliminated before the elimination ceremony after they revealed that they were basically there just for the free food and liquor, and that they were only interested in dating Daisy together as a set.
Torch got dropped cause he just wouldn't talk to her - at all. Unless it was in dolphin.
And Dropout was eliminated for being a "Goofball" and seeming too much like a cartoon character. Flipper was probably certifiable or at least one land on his head from it. And ended up taking himself out of the competion. 
Weasel was eliminated because Daisy felt he didn't have much ambition and felt he was always drinking.
And the Professor got dumped because Daisy didn't feel a connection with him and she felt she wasn't the type of girl he should be dating. FYI, he wasn't Bad Boy enough, which is a shame because the bad boys she wants to keep around will break her heart. 
Brooklyn left cause he's still in love with the ex girlfriend. Say What?!?!?!
Cable Guy was eliminated because he wasn't trying hard enough to connect with Daisy.
Toolbox was going to recieve a chain, but after being informed by Flex that Tool Box said he had no connection with Daisy, Daisy decided to eliminate him. 
London walked out - screaming my name is Joshua Lee & left Daisy crying because he wouldn't take a chain. However, must say this gent prompted the best line from Daisy so far "This is I love Daisy, not I love liquor". Must say he was lovely to look at.
And Cage (one of my personal favorites) chose rage & potential physical voilence over finding true love when he couldn't promise Daisy he wouldn't hit any of the guys left on the show. 
6-Gauge left on episode 6 aired on 6-7. Really Daisy. Are you LOCO? Fox admits to you that he technically still has a girlfriend that he's living with and you boot someone else off the show. Are you freaking NUTS?
Finally, I've been waiting for this day for awhile now. Fox was just too prissy for words & I totally think he was on the show to promote Fox. Ya know?
My personal favorite Big Rig left tonight 6-21. I mean I kinda thought he didn't make it cause he myspace page was flooded with I love this girl & it weren't pictures of Daisy. But come on Daisy - you got rid of the last decent guy. I guess you do want a season 2, not making enough money off this season?And now it's the final four!
Welcome back - duh duh da - LONDON. Ricky brought him back because of unfinished business. Really? Ricky? Honest? At least Daisy said He's gonna have to work his ass off. I am just freaking fed up with this BS and I'm not even on the show. 
Chi-chi just seemed too passive, awkard and shy. And back to the final four since Chi-Chi got eliminated.
I felt so bad for Sinister, tonight was supposed to be a double elimination Flex & Sinister, but Daisy broke the rules & is taking 3 guys to the finale. Sorry Sinister. Maybe some where out there is a girl that will love you for you. You are a wonderful guy who deserves to love.
12-pack got sent packing because Daisy is a MORON. 
And then she choose London (IDIOT) over Sexy Flex? Are you fucking nuts.Still Left
So Daisy made a fucked up predetermined loser guy choice and I hope for her sake - he doesn't just walk out on her again.
Completed - YA Challenge
Guidelines for 2009 Young Adult Book Challenge1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009.
4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
Go to J Kaye's Book Blog to see the starting point.
1)The Blue Girl - Charles de Lint Finished 3-25-09
2)Blue Bloods - Melissa De la Cruz Finished 3-27-09
3)Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares Finished 3-28-09
4)Circle of Three Book 1: So Mote It Be - Isobel Bird Finished 3-29-09
5)Wicked Lovely - Melissa Marr Finished 3-30-09
6)So You Want to Be a Wizard - Diane Duane Finished 4-2-09
7)Bras & Broomsticks - Sarah Mlynowski Finished 4-4-09
8)DragonSong - Anne McCaffrey Finished 4-5-09
9)Charmed: The Power of Three - Constance Burge Finished 4-7-09
10)The Mediator: Shadowland - Meg Cabot Finished 4-8-09
11)Necklace of Kisses - Francesca Lia Block Finished 4-9-09
12)When Lightning Strikes - Meg Cabot Finished 4-9-09
Diaper Cake
Made this for a co-worker who is hosting her son & daughter-in-laws baby shower this week.
Amish Friendship Bread
It is very important to use plastic or wooden utensils and plastic or glass containers when making this. Do not use metal at all!
Amish Friendship Bread Starter
Ingredients:
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Stir well.
2. In a 2 quart glass or plastic container, combine 1 cup sifted flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or the flour will get lumpy when you add the milk.
3. Slowly stir in warm milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Loosely cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap. The mixture will get bubbly. Consider this Day 1 of the cycle, or the day you receive the starter.
Day 1 - receive the starter (or make it)
Day 2 - stir
Day 3 - stir
Day 4 - stir
Day 5 - Add 1 cup each flour, sugar and milk.
Day 6 - stir
Day 7 - stir
Day 8 - stir
Day 9 - stir
Day 10 - Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Divide into 4 containers, with 1 cup each for three of your friends and 1 cup for your own loaves. Give friends the instructions for Day 1 through Day 10 and the following recipe for baking the bread.
combine the remaining cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter with the following ingredients in a large bowl:
2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Using a fork beat by hand until well blended. You can add 1 cup raisins and 1 cup nuts (optional).
Grease two loaf pans with butter, sprinkle with sugar instead of flour.
Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pans. Makes two loaves of Amish Friendship Bread.
Amish Friendship Bread Starter
Ingredients:
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Stir well.
2. In a 2 quart glass or plastic container, combine 1 cup sifted flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or the flour will get lumpy when you add the milk.
3. Slowly stir in warm milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Loosely cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap. The mixture will get bubbly. Consider this Day 1 of the cycle, or the day you receive the starter.
Day 1 - receive the starter (or make it)
Day 2 - stir
Day 3 - stir
Day 4 - stir
Day 5 - Add 1 cup each flour, sugar and milk.
Day 6 - stir
Day 7 - stir
Day 8 - stir
Day 9 - stir
Day 10 - Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Divide into 4 containers, with 1 cup each for three of your friends and 1 cup for your own loaves. Give friends the instructions for Day 1 through Day 10 and the following recipe for baking the bread.
combine the remaining cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter with the following ingredients in a large bowl:
2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Using a fork beat by hand until well blended. You can add 1 cup raisins and 1 cup nuts (optional).
Grease two loaf pans with butter, sprinkle with sugar instead of flour.
Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pans. Makes two loaves of Amish Friendship Bread.
It's Monday - What am I reading?
This is a weekly event hosted over at the lovely Ms J.Kaye's called It's Monday! What are you reading this week? I'm gonna try it and see if it helps/hinders. LOL.
Currently Reading
A Charmed Death - Madelyn Alt
the girl who stopped swimming - Joshilyn Jackson
The Goddess is in the Details - Deborah Blake
The Accidental Demon Slayer - Angie Fox
Dark Nights, Dark Dreams : Sisterhood of the Sight - Savannah Russe
Touch the Dark - Karen Chance
Currently Reading
A Charmed Death - Madelyn Alt
the girl who stopped swimming - Joshilyn Jackson
The Goddess is in the Details - Deborah Blake
The Accidental Demon Slayer - Angie Fox
Dark Nights, Dark Dreams : Sisterhood of the Sight - Savannah Russe
Touch the Dark - Karen Chance
Tequila Cookies
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila
Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the
Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup
and drink.
Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large
fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar.. Beat again. At this point it's
best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup, just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and
chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the frigging fruit off floor...
Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers
just pry loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for
tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.
Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't
forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl out, finish the Jose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.
CHERRY MISTMAS!
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila
Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the
Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup
and drink.
Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large
fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar.. Beat again. At this point it's
best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup, just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and
chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the frigging fruit off floor...
Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers
just pry loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for
tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.
Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't
forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl out, finish the Jose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.
CHERRY MISTMAS!
Music
Use music to bring a smile when life is getting on your last nerve. Play your favorite upbeat song! The funny bone's connected to the trom-bone.
Home Made Granola Bar
Yields 20 granola bars
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked buckwheat, al dente
1 cup raw rolled oats
3 apples
1 cup dried cranberries, or raisins
1 cup dried apple slices, or other dried fruit
30 dates, pitted and soaked in water for 15 minutes (add more for sweeter snacks)
1 cup raw almonds
1 1/4 cups raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, place 1 cup cooked buckwheat, cored apples (keep the peel), dates, honey, cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds.
2. Grind until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup almonds, 1/2 cup cranberries, dried apple (or other fruit) slices to the food processor (you don’t need to rinse the bowl in between steps). Very coarsely chop the nuts, seeds, and fruit in a few quick pulses. Add them to the bowl with the apple mixture and combine well.
4. Add the oats, and remaining buckwheat, almonds, sunflower seeds, and cranberries to the mixture and combine. If the dough is too moist, add a pinch more oats to the mixture. The dough should be sticky but not runny. The varying degrees of chopped nuts, seeds, and fruits give this granola an amazing texture.
5. Spread the granola dough on plastic wrap to shape into bars 1/2 inch thick and then chop into sections 4 inches long. Alternatively, use a cookie cutter to shape the granola dough into no bake oatmeal cookies - perfect for kids’ lunches and snacks.
6. Place the granola bars or cookies onto dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 135 degrees for 4 hours. Flip the bars over and continue dehydrating for another hour, depending on how chewy and moist you prefer your granola bars. If you prefer very crunchy granola bars, then dehydrate for another 8 hours after flipping.
7. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container. To maintain freshness longer, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These are seriously yummy, healthy, and affordable snacks to make. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked buckwheat, al dente
1 cup raw rolled oats
3 apples
1 cup dried cranberries, or raisins
1 cup dried apple slices, or other dried fruit
30 dates, pitted and soaked in water for 15 minutes (add more for sweeter snacks)
1 cup raw almonds
1 1/4 cups raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, place 1 cup cooked buckwheat, cored apples (keep the peel), dates, honey, cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds.
2. Grind until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup almonds, 1/2 cup cranberries, dried apple (or other fruit) slices to the food processor (you don’t need to rinse the bowl in between steps). Very coarsely chop the nuts, seeds, and fruit in a few quick pulses. Add them to the bowl with the apple mixture and combine well.
4. Add the oats, and remaining buckwheat, almonds, sunflower seeds, and cranberries to the mixture and combine. If the dough is too moist, add a pinch more oats to the mixture. The dough should be sticky but not runny. The varying degrees of chopped nuts, seeds, and fruits give this granola an amazing texture.
5. Spread the granola dough on plastic wrap to shape into bars 1/2 inch thick and then chop into sections 4 inches long. Alternatively, use a cookie cutter to shape the granola dough into no bake oatmeal cookies - perfect for kids’ lunches and snacks.
6. Place the granola bars or cookies onto dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 135 degrees for 4 hours. Flip the bars over and continue dehydrating for another hour, depending on how chewy and moist you prefer your granola bars. If you prefer very crunchy granola bars, then dehydrate for another 8 hours after flipping.
7. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container. To maintain freshness longer, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These are seriously yummy, healthy, and affordable snacks to make. Enjoy!
Page Titles
Witch Baby - Definition: A girl who is strange, but uniquely beautiful
I am a verb.
"Some days I just have to laugh at myself".
Although I have inner peace, I still have outer obnoxiousness.
I rant, therefore I am.
"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep."
"Reality is wrong; Dreams are for real"
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."
Only in your imagination can you revise.
Sleep perchance to dream.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
""...that Thing, that moment when you kiss someone, and everything around you becomes hazy...and the only thing in focus is you and this person...and you realize that this person is the only person that you are supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this amazing gift, and you wanna laugh, and you wanna cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it'll go away at the same time.""
"KISS, n: A course of procedure, cunningly devised, for the mutual stoppage of conversation when words are superfluous."
"Stolen kisses require an accomplice."
One day in the country is worth a month in the city.
I am a verb.
"Some days I just have to laugh at myself".
Although I have inner peace, I still have outer obnoxiousness.
I rant, therefore I am.
"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep."
"Reality is wrong; Dreams are for real"
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."
Only in your imagination can you revise.
Sleep perchance to dream.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
""...that Thing, that moment when you kiss someone, and everything around you becomes hazy...and the only thing in focus is you and this person...and you realize that this person is the only person that you are supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this amazing gift, and you wanna laugh, and you wanna cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it'll go away at the same time.""
"KISS, n: A course of procedure, cunningly devised, for the mutual stoppage of conversation when words are superfluous."
"Stolen kisses require an accomplice."
One day in the country is worth a month in the city.
What are we gonna do for her sweet 16
I just realized I forgot to post this as a stand alone post. This was for Oceana's 5th birthday party. It was a Princess Theme.
Mailbox Surprise:
I mean you heard it's coming your way but you are exactly sure when it's gonna get there!!!
And ta-da, it shows up.
"the girl who stopped swimming" - Joshilyn Jackson
I won this one courtsey of the Hatchett Group via Carrie at Nomad Reader. Thank you again, and I'm taking this one to work to read this w/e.
And ta-da, it shows up.
"the girl who stopped swimming" - Joshilyn Jackson
I won this one courtsey of the Hatchett Group via Carrie at Nomad Reader. Thank you again, and I'm taking this one to work to read this w/e.
Bento 62 - Deconstructed Cheeseburger
Gotta love the imagination.I wanted a cheeseburger tonight (one of those days ya know) but I didn't want all the hassle of making a big burger & carrying it to work, so I settled on little burgers w/lettuce "buns". And I cuted it up big time by making a cute little caterpillar on a branch.
Someone asked me Friday morning - how do you do that? I'm assuming she meant the packing thing, cause the decorative side of it is all not planned. LOL. So, I'm gonna attempt to explain my process.
First off - I make the decision on what to eat - in this case burgers (now this currently means no bun or fries for me because I am trying to eat in a healthier manner and I have a slight intolerance to starchy foods). So what do I want to take - hmmm - burgers, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese (just a little bit) and some mayo.
Next decision, which box do I want to use - hey let's use the Bitter & Milk box - so that determines that we have to pack small - because that particular box is an actual bento box.
So when I got up - I pan fried 3 mini burgers, sliced 2 campri tomatoes in half, stripped off several lettuce leaves and proceeded to pack. Now for the decorative part - which in this case was by pure chance. I lined the box with the lettuce, then dropped in the tomato halves and while waiting for the burgers to cool - went hmmm, that looks like bit like a caterpillar, hehehe too funny. So I took out my cheese - rather than just throwing it in the box as I am prone to do - I took the time to cut little shapes out and played with it, giving the bug eyes, antenna, mouth, and stripes - yay me! I'm getting the hang of this. Well then naturally when I added the burgers, I did so to form a "branch" for the little guy to crawl on and ta-da Deconstructed Cheeseburger Caterpillar is designed.
For more (read better) ideas try Just Bento or Anna the Red - links on the side) they always have wonderful ideas.
New Phone
I love it!!! After my Nokia 6555 got broken last weekend and then my $20 go phone got ran over (don't ask it was a REALLY bad week for phones at my house evidently) DH bought me this one. We added an unlimited internet & texting package.
Check out the picture quality (see previous post on my bento - that picture was snapped by my new phone) it's amazing & the qwerty keyboard makes texting a breeze.
Now this doesn't mean that there's no problems with it, the tab set up is super crappy & I hate the way the text is set up.
Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun - Victoria Laurie
(Publisher)
When M.J. agrees to use her paranormal abilities on a new TV show called Haunted Possesions, she hopes her gift will not be exploited. Neither M.J. nor her fellow medium realizes how much they'll need to sharpen their psychic skills when one of the objects - a knife - turns out to open a portal that releases a demon.
With a beast from the lower realms on the loose in the haunted hotel where she's staying, M.J. gets the point: She and her team of ghost hunters must find a way to give evil an early checkout before the demon carves through the hotel's guests like a knife through butter.
(My Turn)
I adore this light hearted, fast paced, quirky series. This is the 3rd installment of Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter Mysteries and it it by far the best in the series.
This book finds MJ, Gilley, and Stephen (Doc is missing for the majority of the story) in California - since Gilley has convinced MJ that she needs to participate in a haunted antiques show. Cue up the super swany hotel, "The Duke aka the Worlds Most Haunted Hotel" (what was Gilley thinking). The trio has barely arrived before being held up by a dead body/police investigation and that's just the beginning of their troubles. More than one former guest or employee is still hanging around, phoney mediums abound, and there are a few more bodies to be found. Oh, and did I mention that there's a demon on the loose? While MJ is using her powers to help stranded souls cross, there's an introduction of a new medium, and the atmosphere is as creepy as desired.
On the down side - the police detective is a joke, the main "mystery" leaves a lot to be desired, and the ending appears to be rushed. The relationship between MJ and Stephen doesn't advance as much as desired, but it does seem to be as strong as ever.
Overall, its a very engaging story, and its difficult to put down, just ask my husband or my nephew.
When M.J. agrees to use her paranormal abilities on a new TV show called Haunted Possesions, she hopes her gift will not be exploited. Neither M.J. nor her fellow medium realizes how much they'll need to sharpen their psychic skills when one of the objects - a knife - turns out to open a portal that releases a demon.
With a beast from the lower realms on the loose in the haunted hotel where she's staying, M.J. gets the point: She and her team of ghost hunters must find a way to give evil an early checkout before the demon carves through the hotel's guests like a knife through butter.
(My Turn)
I adore this light hearted, fast paced, quirky series. This is the 3rd installment of Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter Mysteries and it it by far the best in the series.
This book finds MJ, Gilley, and Stephen (Doc is missing for the majority of the story) in California - since Gilley has convinced MJ that she needs to participate in a haunted antiques show. Cue up the super swany hotel, "The Duke aka the Worlds Most Haunted Hotel" (what was Gilley thinking). The trio has barely arrived before being held up by a dead body/police investigation and that's just the beginning of their troubles. More than one former guest or employee is still hanging around, phoney mediums abound, and there are a few more bodies to be found. Oh, and did I mention that there's a demon on the loose? While MJ is using her powers to help stranded souls cross, there's an introduction of a new medium, and the atmosphere is as creepy as desired.
On the down side - the police detective is a joke, the main "mystery" leaves a lot to be desired, and the ending appears to be rushed. The relationship between MJ and Stephen doesn't advance as much as desired, but it does seem to be as strong as ever.
Overall, its a very engaging story, and its difficult to put down, just ask my husband or my nephew.
Red-Headed Stepchild - Jaye Wells
(Publisher)
In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn't really fit in. And being an assassin - the only profession fit for an outcast - doesn't help matters. But she's never brought her work home. Until now. Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex, and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she's on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal...
(My Turn)
Sabina Kane is the mixed-blood daughter of a forbidden romance between vampire and mage. Both parents died shortly after her birth and she has been raised solely by her vampire grandmother. Deemed useless by the tenants of her "race" and forced to suppress any mage power she may have, Sabina was designated an outcast and sent to assassin school. She has been a good little assassin until now, even obeying the order to assinate a longtime friend and confidant - now nothing is the same for her. She is disowned by the Dominae (basically her grandmother), gets attacked by a demon, finds out her Mage family does want her, makes friends with a physic Fairy, and all sorts of other interesting little things happen.
In summary, it's not a bad debut novel. It's a fairly smooth read and it's not explicit vampire porn (not that I mind the sex). It's not top of the chart page-turner, but it is pretty good, and if you are like me you prefer your reading to be fun rather than deep and ponderous. This is a urban fantasy you may like. Just have the ability to live with the inconsistencies (vamps being able to give birth and only have red hair) and try not think too deeply about what’s going on.
In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn't really fit in. And being an assassin - the only profession fit for an outcast - doesn't help matters. But she's never brought her work home. Until now. Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex, and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she's on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal...
(My Turn)
Sabina Kane is the mixed-blood daughter of a forbidden romance between vampire and mage. Both parents died shortly after her birth and she has been raised solely by her vampire grandmother. Deemed useless by the tenants of her "race" and forced to suppress any mage power she may have, Sabina was designated an outcast and sent to assassin school. She has been a good little assassin until now, even obeying the order to assinate a longtime friend and confidant - now nothing is the same for her. She is disowned by the Dominae (basically her grandmother), gets attacked by a demon, finds out her Mage family does want her, makes friends with a physic Fairy, and all sorts of other interesting little things happen.
In summary, it's not a bad debut novel. It's a fairly smooth read and it's not explicit vampire porn (not that I mind the sex). It's not top of the chart page-turner, but it is pretty good, and if you are like me you prefer your reading to be fun rather than deep and ponderous. This is a urban fantasy you may like. Just have the ability to live with the inconsistencies (vamps being able to give birth and only have red hair) and try not think too deeply about what’s going on.
Witchling - Yasmine Galenorn
(Publisher)
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy – and sexy – operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she’d stressed. Menolly’s a vampire who still trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I’m Camille – a wicked-good witch. Except my magic’s as unpredictable as the weather, which my enemies are about to find out the hard way…
At the Wayfarer Inn, a portal to Otherworld and the local hangout for humans and beasties alike, a fellow operative, Jocko, has been murdered. Every clue points to Shadow Wing, the soul-munching, bad-ass leader of the Subterranean Realms. He's made it clear that he aims to raze humankind to the ground, turning both Earth and Otherworld into his private playground.
Our assignment: keep Shadow Wing and his minions from creeping into Earth via the Wayfarer. The demons figure they're in like Flynn. After all, with only my bumbling sisters and me standing in the way, how can they miss? But we've got a secret for them: Faulty wiring or not, nobody kicks ass like the D'Artigo girls…
(My Turn)
First up - this book suffers from massive genre confusion. Witchling is most definitely urban fantasy even though it has been marketed as a paranormal romance. However, 2 so-so sex scenes and a mention or 3 of romantic interludes does not a romance make so the action plot ends up being the driving force of the story. Meaning that no matter what it says on the spine of the book this novel is definitely not romance.
The story itself wraps in and around the three half fairy sisters (Dad is Sidhe & Mom was Human) - Camille the witch (as told from her perspective), Delilah the tabby cat shapeshifter and Menolly the newbie vampire - and their relationships, both with each other and with the entities that they encounter. You also have a roster full of every supernatural beastie you could imagine – either as friends and foes and frenemies.
In reality - the story was a little hard to get into at the beginning, an extremely predictable read, but in the end a good book. I'm looking forward to picking up the next in the series to see if Ms Galenorn develops in this genre.
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy – and sexy – operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she’d stressed. Menolly’s a vampire who still trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I’m Camille – a wicked-good witch. Except my magic’s as unpredictable as the weather, which my enemies are about to find out the hard way…
At the Wayfarer Inn, a portal to Otherworld and the local hangout for humans and beasties alike, a fellow operative, Jocko, has been murdered. Every clue points to Shadow Wing, the soul-munching, bad-ass leader of the Subterranean Realms. He's made it clear that he aims to raze humankind to the ground, turning both Earth and Otherworld into his private playground.
Our assignment: keep Shadow Wing and his minions from creeping into Earth via the Wayfarer. The demons figure they're in like Flynn. After all, with only my bumbling sisters and me standing in the way, how can they miss? But we've got a secret for them: Faulty wiring or not, nobody kicks ass like the D'Artigo girls…
(My Turn)
First up - this book suffers from massive genre confusion. Witchling is most definitely urban fantasy even though it has been marketed as a paranormal romance. However, 2 so-so sex scenes and a mention or 3 of romantic interludes does not a romance make so the action plot ends up being the driving force of the story. Meaning that no matter what it says on the spine of the book this novel is definitely not romance.
The story itself wraps in and around the three half fairy sisters (Dad is Sidhe & Mom was Human) - Camille the witch (as told from her perspective), Delilah the tabby cat shapeshifter and Menolly the newbie vampire - and their relationships, both with each other and with the entities that they encounter. You also have a roster full of every supernatural beastie you could imagine – either as friends and foes and frenemies.
In reality - the story was a little hard to get into at the beginning, an extremely predictable read, but in the end a good book. I'm looking forward to picking up the next in the series to see if Ms Galenorn develops in this genre.
Wanna Talk
About best worst week EVER!!! Hubby lost his job due to a miscommunication with alcoholic boss & idiotic coworkers, picked up his last pay check and bamm - Landed a big ole PAYDAY with a Dollar Scratch Off. How cool is that????
Recap 4-27 to 5-3
4-28 I'm off to see the Hair Maestro this morning (and no this is not an unnecessary expense - it makes me feel better about myself & then I handle everything better) - picture to be updated this evening. I can't wait. I'm chopping all my hair off (again) and going blonde (again). I'm sooooooooo happy.
Hey too cool - got an invite to a ritual for the weekend. I can't wait.
4-29 Working tonight w/someone - that is just too weird, but hey if the job wants to pay 2 to work, why not. Getting off in am & taking a much needed break. Going to the grocery store. Gotta pay some bills. And the I'm going to bed.
And I did - got off work, went to mom's, picked her & the neffie up, went to the grocery store (okay commissary, farmer's market, and Asian grocery), dropped them off, paid some bills, took my booty home, put all the food up, and the crashed for 12hours. I need that!
4-30 Well, I got up, went to the bank - paid 2 more bills - then drove to the rent's, hung out and played with neffie for a bit, then got a call from work, they needed me in to work this evening (hey cool - overtime), sorry mom I won't be able to stay for dinner. And I was leaving to go to work - DH pulls in and evidently his tire/ball bearing/joint something went hokey - cause his tire exploded and the whole back end of the car was smoking!!!!! John says he'll look at it over the weekend. Oh Well - life - what else can you say????
Went to work, had some fun, got off work, came home, DH had a steak bone for my baby to gnaw. That was the cutest thing, the bone was bigger then the puppy, and he learned to growl. (one of the cats got in the house). And WOW - mom that steak was out of this world good!!!5-1 Cake baking extravaganza - Okay - for those of you who know me in RL - you know that I love to create. Well one particular adopted neice is turning 5 on Monday (her party is on Sunday. Well it poses to be a LARGE party & I got the request for a cake to fit the number of people. HEHEHE - Blake you got cake to last for days. And I got my Ichiban Kan order in today -
5-2 LONG DAY!!!! Got off work this morning - went home, got into it with DH, then went to bed.
Woke up early, got dressed, headed out to a preritual cookout with some wonderful friends. Now that was fun - good food, Blackberry Wine, and Tarot cards - gotta love life.
5-3 And it is the day that will not stop. Got off work, had to call the boss, Beltane rite, take the cake to Angier, Birthday party, home for enchilada making, over to mom's, then off to visit another friend. And I've been up since 4:30p yesterday. Make it stop PLEASE!!!
Mailbox Surprise
I mean you heard it's coming your way but you aren't exactly sure when it's gonna get there!!!
And ta-da, it shows up.
My Ichiban Kan order came in today - I'm SOOOOOO happy!!!
And ta-da, it shows up.
My Ichiban Kan order came in today - I'm SOOOOOO happy!!!
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